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Training Standards

Armstrong County 911 Tele-communicators are requred to complete 380 hours of training. The training includes both classroom and on the job training. Upon successful completion of the training program, 911 tele-communicators will receive numerous certfications including APCO Basic Tele-Communicator, APCO EMD, CPR, CLEAN and NCIC. They will also receive several certfications from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency including Call-Taker, Fire Dispatcher, EMS Dispatcher, EMA Dispatcher, and Police Dispather.

During the training program, trainees work approximatley 20 hours per week on various shifts. Trainees are always supervised by a certified dispatcher. In addition to basic call-taking and dispatching, trainees will learn county geography, unit identifiers, crisis intervention, and numerous other skill sets before they are permitted to work a single shift as a certified dispatcher.

Below: A dispatcher trainee at a console. A certified dispatcher is sitting behind him ready to monitor all activity. This trainee is also a certified EMT for Kittanning Hose Company #6. Armstrong 911 has numeorus employees who also serve on the other side of the radio as firefighters, police officers, EMT's and Paramedics.